Posted by: Art_in_FL
Nice little flashlight ...and cheap - 01/06/11 11:46 PM
I dropped by a nearby Home Depot, no affiliation, and near the door they have the deep discount specials. There were the usual collection of multi-bit screwdriver/socket wrench kits, a bundle of two-dozen knit work gloves for $7 and a bin full of small plastic flashlights. What caught my eye was they these flashlights were going for $1.98 each.
They were listed as "6LED Rubber Flashlight" Distributed by "Iron Bridge Tool Inc". Made in China ... naturally. The unit is made of a synthetic rubber/plastic and they are sized to fit into a fist. A bit less than 4" in length and a little thinner in cylindrical section than an inch-and-a-quarter. The switch is recessed into the non-working end and is covered with a nicely textured rubber boot. It has a small split-ring and wrist lanyard fitted near the switch.
They were encased in shrink-wrap plastic so I couldn't explore the insides but they felt pretty solid and had a slight reassuring heft. I figured I couldn't go wrong for less than a buck a pop. I got two in red so they will be easy to find.
Getting them home I found out they came with three AAA batteries installed. These are "heavy-duty" cells, marked "Iron Bridge", I suspect they are zinc chloride cells and inferior to alkaline, but the batteries alone are worth 2$. Interestingly the flashlight doesn't seem to have any manufacturers marks.
What you get for your buck is a handy little LED flashlight with six bright LEDs of good quality. I've thrown one around a bit and other than a few cosmetic scratches it hasn't suffered. After being roughed up I put it into a sink full of water and after an hour it hasn't leaked enough to find any water inside the case. I think it is reliably proof against rain, splashes, being dropped into a puddle.
As far as I can tell after a fair bit of working the switch roughly and some moderate abuse they are reasonably reliable. These are just about cheap enough to be considered disposable but they look like they should last for a good time.
These units are, IMHO, entirely suitable for gifts, stocking stuffing, assembled into give-away emergency kits, or anywhere you might need a small light. Glove box, raincoat pocket, toolbox, one hung on a hook in the garden shed. A whole lot of light for less than two dollars.
I would replace the batteries they come with, perhaps use lithium cells for units that are going to remain forgotten for long time periods, to increase reliability.
I'm considering going back and buying a dozen more.
They were listed as "6LED Rubber Flashlight" Distributed by "Iron Bridge Tool Inc". Made in China ... naturally. The unit is made of a synthetic rubber/plastic and they are sized to fit into a fist. A bit less than 4" in length and a little thinner in cylindrical section than an inch-and-a-quarter. The switch is recessed into the non-working end and is covered with a nicely textured rubber boot. It has a small split-ring and wrist lanyard fitted near the switch.
They were encased in shrink-wrap plastic so I couldn't explore the insides but they felt pretty solid and had a slight reassuring heft. I figured I couldn't go wrong for less than a buck a pop. I got two in red so they will be easy to find.
Getting them home I found out they came with three AAA batteries installed. These are "heavy-duty" cells, marked "Iron Bridge", I suspect they are zinc chloride cells and inferior to alkaline, but the batteries alone are worth 2$. Interestingly the flashlight doesn't seem to have any manufacturers marks.
What you get for your buck is a handy little LED flashlight with six bright LEDs of good quality. I've thrown one around a bit and other than a few cosmetic scratches it hasn't suffered. After being roughed up I put it into a sink full of water and after an hour it hasn't leaked enough to find any water inside the case. I think it is reliably proof against rain, splashes, being dropped into a puddle.
As far as I can tell after a fair bit of working the switch roughly and some moderate abuse they are reasonably reliable. These are just about cheap enough to be considered disposable but they look like they should last for a good time.
These units are, IMHO, entirely suitable for gifts, stocking stuffing, assembled into give-away emergency kits, or anywhere you might need a small light. Glove box, raincoat pocket, toolbox, one hung on a hook in the garden shed. A whole lot of light for less than two dollars.
I would replace the batteries they come with, perhaps use lithium cells for units that are going to remain forgotten for long time periods, to increase reliability.
I'm considering going back and buying a dozen more.